Freshers

by Em Solstice

Everyone knows the number one rule at University is to never sleep with your flatmates...

But when Daphne moves into her university housing for her first year, she doesn’t expect her flatmates to be three insanely hot guys.

Before she knows it, she is crossing lines that will only ever end in disaster.

*A why-choose novella*

Genres: Why Choose

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2024

About the author

Em Solstice is a romance author from the UK. As well as procrastinating writing fast-paced novellas with a spicy twist, she enjoys snuggling her cat and drinking Starbucks... and waiting for her own love story to begin.

Reviews

[Vic Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a great quick read, really enjoyable! I devoured it. The writing is excellent, the pace was perfect and I just loved the story and dialogue between the characters! Will be reading more by Em Solstice 😊

[Faith Fawcett · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4

Who doesn't love a book with all the uni vibes, from big tesco trips to meeting your flatmates for the first time? This is such a wholesome (and spicy!) book, following first year student Daphne as she battles university, balancing it with her three super hot friends.

As with any other spicy books, obviously please read any trigger warnings as some things have the potential to make you uncomfortable. But if you do like these tropes, it's amazing! It's so well-written and thought out, Daphne being the perfect mix of fault and goodness.

I cannot wait for the next book in this series and it will be a definite read for me!

Edit from second read: Now that I've read Em's next book, What Happens in Venice, I have seen how much she has been working on her writing. I genuinely believe that Em has so much talent and I am so proud of her for all the work she has put in over this past year. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series; I know I'll love it! <33

[Rosie-May · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well.. sign me up to uni to live with Eli, Nate and Aiden 😏

This is such a wholesome, easy, spicy (🥵) read, I devoured it in a few hours. This is my second read by Em Solstice. I just adore her writing style.

The FMC was just adorable, I loved her relationship with the boys as well as her relationship with Madison. She was strong and independent as well as needy for her boys.

I loved how this book captures what I imagine to be university life so perfectly, minus the three hot men though 😏 we can all dream can’t we? This is a 150 page novella and it’s the perfect book to get you in the mood for freshers or return to uni.

I love a reverse harem romance (because why choose? 😉) and this author certainly knows how to write them. The spice in this is delightful 🤤 I love how each 🍆 scene was so different.

If you haven’t checked out her books already then you should! An easy 4-stars from me!

★★★★☆
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Samantha Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing to see a reverse harem trope in something other than a fantasy or dark romance novel. The spice was on point & I loved how the relationship between our 4 MCs developed. Definitely another one for my smut loving girlies!
After my first fix of Ems work I just couldn’t resist diving into another & I’m very glad I did. I can’t wait for the second instalment of this story next month!

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very short, but I enjoyed it, I will say it could do with some editing & at the beginning the timeline jumped a lot which was somewhat confusing but as I said I enjoyed it for what it was, and I will read the next book when it’s out

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Party for 4. 🎉🍻

I came across this book on my FY on TT.
& ugh it was such a good read. The guys personality and the spice was just right. I love it! 🌶️😍🤗

[Inthemindofasmut · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when you get dropped off at your new uni accommodation by your Dad, for the next chapter in your life, to realise you're living with three of the hottest men you've ever seen in your life?

You have a why-choose situation. That's what you do.

When Daphne first meets Eli, Nate & Aiden, they fall into the routine of being the best of friends pretty easily. Determined to not complicated things, she focuses on their nights out, flat parties, and rescuing her best friend Madison from her drunken escapades. We all have one, right?

Before she knows it, she's agreed to a one-off night with one of the guys, and then another and then another, and then she hides away, pretending it never happened. But Aiden isn't willing to let it go that easily...

As feelings begin to progress, and life as she knows it spirals, will Daphne talk herself out of her self-imposed misery? Or will she refuse to swallow her pride and the price be losing all 3?

Short & spicy and everything you want in a Novella.

[Parris Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a cute read! I couldn’t put it down! Credits to the author

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book! I couldn’t put it down so much that I finished it in a few hours! Em writes so well that I was so intrigued in what was going to happen next! I throughly enjoyed this book!

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh!

Omfg ! Love love love, literally no other words! Read this in an evening, couldn't put it down, so so good!

[Shara Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Em (if you haven’t read overboard I’d highly recommend) It was short but full of detail and ended perfectly. Story ran smoothly and despite being a few main characters, I didn’t get lost. Would definitely give this book a read if your into spicy romance books 📚🌶️ 5/5 ⭐️

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

god I miss tesco

[Beth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I finished this very quickly and it was very spicy 🥵

It wasn’t anything special but I think I’d be interested in reading more novellas by Em Solstice!

[Emma Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an EASY four star for me, if not more, and I read it across two or three sittings - though partly because I didn't want to have to read any on the train, and suffer through some poor old lady reading certain scenes over my shoulder. It was the kind of book that makes you wish books in shops had some sort of 18+ sticker... so if you like your books very spicy, you'll love this.

This is the second book I've read from Em, and I've adored her writing style both times. It's quick and easy and witty, and she definitely knows how to capture that university feeling - though in a completely different way to my own. If I'd moved to uni and found myself in a flat full of horny boys, disco balls and alcohol, I probably would have asked to be moved - but then I'm not Daphne, Mrs My-Main-Trait-Is-My-Excessive-Horniness. This girl had it bad... very bad. She was even moaning at her own hands massaging shampoo into her scalp in the shower.

I can't lie, this book sent anxiety running through my veins... wanting to wipe down the sides immediately after drinks were spilt, take the six hundredth drink from Daphne's hand before she was sick once again. It's a perfect depiction of what I'm sure would be a lot of people's university ideal - s*x and clubs and parties and very little time to actually write essays! I can imagine that so many people will love this... and love the three hunky guys who practically worship Daphne. Why choose, eh?

Daphne as a protagonist wasn't someone I could personally relate to, but, like I said, I'm sure there are many people who'd crave to be in her shoes (Olivia and Beth, for a start). I loved the friendship with Madison, though I wish we got to know her more! For me, university is about the feeling of the city and the people you meet, not the partying, so these parts felt really cosy and homely to me - the way Daphne was so loved by the people she was housed with was lovely, wholesome. I wish it was that simple for everyone.

The reason this was only a four star read for me is very much a personal thing - because I love description, and have to be able to visualise a book to fully feel immersed. To me, spice is so much sexier when we know more about a character - their background, past sexual history, likes and dislikes, quirks. Eli was my fav, but I needed more information! I would have loved to know more about Daph, too, especially after meeting her strangely protective father in the beginning... I had so many questions about her home life, friends, family situation, past relationships, own insecurities and looks. I'd also love to know what her dad thought about her second year living arrangements, too!

I would have also enjoyed some more atmosphere in terms of the city and its vibe - because autumn is the best season, and hot chocs and crunchy leaves and study dates are the best thing about first term! I'm the kind of reader who needs this buildup for the spice to feel exciting for me, but I know not everyone is bothered by this stuff. The university vibe itself was immaculate, but in a very different way to what I picture when I think of uni - vomit and clubs and kebabs were not part of my own experience, and neither was rampant spicy time with my flatmates!

This book took me probably less than an hour and a half to read, so it really is the perfect book to read to get you in the mood for freshers... I doubt anyone else's experience will be as simple as Daphne's, but you can all dream!

I honestly can't recommend this book enough, and really can't wait for Em Solstice's future books - they're the perfect sweet, spicy pick-me-up, and deserve so much more hype.

[Blue3bellreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gave me all the nostalgia vibes. There were so many parts of this book that made me sit and think about my own fresher experience! I will say my experience didn’t include three men - although I did end up dating a guy with the same name as one of our 3 MMCs and he turned out to be a walking red flag 🤷‍♀️ so our FMC had better luck than I did 😂

Overall, i really, really enjoyed this! I read it in one sitting and felt like it was exactly what I needed to kick start my reading month! I loved that this felt so balanced between being cosy and fun and unserious but then equally emotional and serious!

I loved the writing style, I loved the pace and I actually became so attached to these characters despite this being a novella. I also loved that each character had their own vibe going on but collectively filled the voids other characters potentially had.

My main complaint was that I felt like we didn’t see as much of Aiden as we did the other two, so I would love to see him more in the sequel! I also would love to see how others react to this relationship, because I imagine it’d be a pretty tricky thing to navigate in a uni setting. Id also love to see how our FMC father reacts as well - he clearly was protective over his daughter so i wonder if we’ll see that unfold!

Em, you absolutely smashed this and I can’t wait to read more!🌸

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice spicy book at only 142 pages long.

The story follows Daphne who is just moving into her Student Accommodation to start her first year at University.

Her housemates are three guys, Eli, Nate and Aiden and she has decided that even though they are all hot, she will keep her hands off them, as she doesn't want to ruin the dynamic between the four of them.

But her resolve begins to faulter and she finds herself giving into temptation and over time she finds herself falling into bed with all three of them. This then sends her into a conundrum, as she likes all three and she doesn't want to choose, so when they come to her with a proposition, she realises she doesn't have to. But could it end in disaster?

Really enjoyed this book as it takes you away for awhile and it is such an easy read, with no real tension or angsty moments.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a novella, this was quite a cute and spicy read.
I will say that it could have done with another round of edits as there were a couple of typos throughout and the odd missed word.
I did like the fact that this wasn't set in a specific town or university, it makes it easy for readers to envision their own town/university and maybe remember their own experiences... although I can definitely say that, unfortunately, I still haven't experienced a why choose situation.
I will be keeping an eye out for the sequel as I am quite intrigued as to how the relationship will progress... especially with a certain neighbour making herself known.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what is there to say about freshers! It’s definitely a why choose book! Oh boy ……. Each boy has their own shining moment 👌 first time away from home and gets the best experience of her life! Bring university experiences to your very hand! Each boys personality shins through with their perfectly timed spotlight moments. Nate, Eli and aiden are the perfect mixture of everything a girl could need and more. Dip your toes in a moderately spiced book with a quick read. Take your time a savour these moments as her next book isn’t released until the 23rd of August! You won’t want to miss a moment what this drops!! Be there first for the big drop! Oh boy …… Olivia just you wait girl 😏

[Donna Mcintosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ why can we only give 5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stumbled across Em on the old tik tok today with this little gem and what a cute lovely read this novella was.

We are introduced to the beautiful Daphne just starting out by herself after being raised by her dad.
Quite quickly we meet her 3 roommates Eli, Nate and Aiden who are all pretty dashing in their own ways. Together they form a great friendship which leads to more 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and we see the inner struggles from Daphne as she works out the balance between friendship and love with her 3 guys.

Well written and a pleasure to read. Can’t wait to see more from this Author 💕🫶🏻

[Michelle Fereday · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was looking for a quick spicy read and Freshers did not disappoint! For anyone who has been to uni in the UK, Em Solstice weaves a story about figuring out who you are, who you love and how - with three hot guys. Daphne epitomises the ingenue and the social expectations we so often internalise warring with a sexuality we are taught to suppress. Social commentary aside; it was really fun seeing the push and pull between the characters and seriously all the guys are so sweet, there's a reason it's why choose *winks* Devoured the book in less that two hours and am ready to dive in to second year with them in Students.

[Rachel Molland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s not to like? This was my first spicy read and boy did it send my imagination in overdrive! It took a few hours at most to start and finish reading Freshers. Em Solstice’s writing style kept me captivated throughout the entirety of the book, the ending… woah! Had my toes curling. A super underrated author and certainly deserves more recognition for all the hard work she has poured into her writing. Well done, look forward to reading more from you. Now onto Overboard!

[Louise Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this sweet RH Romance.

Daphne is just starting Uni and is wanting to have the Uni life experience. What happens when she's roomed with 3 hotties 🔥 🥵

The attraction is undeniable but, Daphne doesn't want to cause any issues in there bubble so what will happen when she finally gives into her urges?

Now I understand the DND post it lol.

[Hayley Lunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but spicy!

This was my first time reading a ‘Why choose’ and it definitely won’t be my last.
(Because I read Em’s next book ‘Overboard’ straight after this one!)
I loved the dynamic between the housemates as soon as they were introduced. They all have their specific ‘roles’ and they come into play in different ways ;)
I really enjoyed reading and I can’t wait for the next one!

[Antonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a book

At first it took a little while to get into the story, I knew it was going to be a reverse harem style book but as I was reading I was wondering how it was all going to fit in (no pun intended)

The story was really well written and I finished it in 1 sitting. It’s a short story but very much well worth the read

[Em Solstice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I'm bias, but writing Freshers was such an experience. Especially when weaving in some of my uni memories which don't include 3 hot guys, but classics such as trips to big tesco and losing that one friend on a night out.

I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it

[Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty much all spice no plot, the only plot points were minor and there was 0 character development. Pretty short book, 150 pages and took me about an hour to read. Written well but as i said it was basically all spice

[Nina Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy(s) was this book hot! Daphne gets housed with three guys for her first year at uni. It's only gonna go one way...or would that be three?

Crazy parties, delightful besties, and we can't forget the b*tch*s from down the hall.

A fun steamy read.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading overboard I had high hopes for this book, and it wasn’t disappointing! I loved the characters in it and was not at all expecting what was to come 😱.

This author is fabulous and I can’t wait to read her next book

[♡ Kirsten ♡ (☆Taylor's Version☆) · Rating 2 out of 5]

No third act breakup, Just a cute story not much to it tho obv bc its a standalone novella

[Samantha Grubey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good fast paced read, I don't know why I do it to myself when I read novellas because I just complain that it wasn't long enough. But I guess that's a good thing!